This temporary exhibition, 'Mirrors. Between Illusion and Reality,' invites visitors on a journey through a world where reality is not obvious. It explores the physics and mathematics behind optical illusions, symmetry, and reflections, highlighting how mirrors reveal truths about our perception and the beauty in the world.
The temporary exhibition 'Lustra. Między iluzją a rzeczywistością' (Mirrors. Between Illusion and Reality) delves into the captivating realm where reality becomes subjective. Through a series of interactive exhibits, the exhibition uses physics and mathematics to demystify phenomena that challenge our cognitive biases, such as illusions, symmetries, and infinite reflections. Visitors will explore how mirrors create illusory images, understand the science behind reflections, and discover the aesthetic appeal inherent in these optical phenomena. The exhibition emphasizes how mirrors serve not only as tools for scientific inquiry but also as windows into the hidden beauty of the world. Originally produced by Technorama in Switzerland, the Copernicus Science Centre's presentation is enriched with contributions from Polish designer and architect Oskar Zięta.
The exhibition is designed to engage visitors of all ages, from preschoolers to high school students, by offering hands-on experiences that clarify complex scientific principles. It highlights the educational potential, suitable for lessons in physics, mathematics, art, and biology. Exhibits like 'Mirror Maze,' 'Crazy Mirror,' and 'View from Behind' allow for self-exploration of perception, symmetry, and optical effects. For younger visitors, it sparks imagination by connecting mirror illusions to fairy tales, while older students can explore deeper questions about self-perception and how we interpret reality. The interdisciplinary nature of the exhibition encourages critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and creativity, making science accessible and engaging.